A rare Queen Anne oak gateleg table

The plank top in three sections, with replaced hinges. The plain frieze with a single drawer and original handle. Standing on gun-barrel turned legs, on original braganza feet, joined by both turned and square stretchers. Excellent original colour and patination. English, circa 1710. 3066763.


This type of table, with a gate on either side, had evolved by the beginning of the Stuart period. The top consists of a fixed centre section with hinged flaps on either side supported on pivoted legs, each pair being united at top and bottom by stretchers forming a 'gate.' A drawer is often fitted in the main framing. The evolution of turning is well displayed in these tables, and many of the supports closely resemble contemporary staircase balusters. Alhough tradition generally governed the design, traces of contemporary fashion can be observed, as in the shaped braganza feet indicating, in conjunction with the turning, a date towards the end of the century.

Gateleg tables dating from the time of the Restoration onwards are sometimes found made of walnut, but oak was chiefly employed with fruitwoods often being used in country districts. Gateleg tables were produced up to the end of the first half of the 18th century, the centre section of the top being secured with screws instead of dowels.